The Allahabad High Court has intervened to stay the suspension of Homeguard Commandant Manish Dubey, who faced accusations of “immoral conduct.” In a ruling that underscored the complexities of personal conduct versus professional responsibilities, the court criticized the vagueness of the allegations against him, asserting that his private actions did not demonstrably affect his official duties.
The controversy began when Alok Maurya, a sanitation worker, publicly alleged that his wife, SDM Jyoti Maurya, and Dubey were engaged in an illicit relationship. Alok claimed that after supporting Jyoti through her education and subsequent successful PCS examination in 2015, her demeanor changed, leading her to request a divorce.
Dubey’s suspension on November 7, 2023, by the Additional Chief Secretary (Home Guards) of Lucknow, was met with his immediate legal challenge in the high court. Justice JJ Munir, presiding over the case, has requested the state government counsel to respond within three weeks and scheduled the next hearing for August 27, 2024.
In its interim order, the court highlighted that the charges largely revolve around Dubey’s alleged informal communications with a married woman via WhatsApp, along with accusations of leaving his post in Ghaziabad to visit a hotel in Delhi without permission. The court remarked that these actions, while possibly imprudent, were insufficient grounds for the severe disciplinary action taken against him.
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The court further emphasized the need for clarity and specificity in charges that could lead to significant penalties, pointing out that the majority of the accusations were indeterminate and failed to establish a direct link between Dubey’s private activities and his professional duties. As the case unfolds, Dubey has been allowed to resume his duties and will continue to receive his salary.
